Portable Vehicle Barrier

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a portable vehicle barrier, which is used to easily and effectively block vehicle access to restricted areas. The present invention comprises a front base, a rear base, spikes, and multiple folding arms. The folding arms are used to connect individual barriers to form a larger barrier so they can block small or large areas as needed. The spikes drive into the ground slowing oncoming vehicles and eventually stopping them as the barrier cantilevers intruding vehicles on the front base. For storage and transportation the folding arms can be folded to rest alongside the front base and rear base, while the rear base can be folded to rest atop the front base. A plurality of arm housings are located along the front and rear base, and are use to secure the folding arms in the deployed or storage states.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/431,651 filed on Jan. 11, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable device for barricading restricted areas from vehicular access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To cordon off restricted areas, government and private entities use a variety of barriers, such as concrete barriers and spike strips. However, existing barriers often sacrifice effectiveness for ease of use or vice versa. Spike strips, while easy to deploy, merely puncture a vehicle's tires, after which it can still travel for some distance. Concrete barriers are much more effective in stopping vehicles but are also much more difficult to deploy and move. The object of the present invention is to introduce a barrier that is easy to assemble, deploy, and transport, while still being an effective barrier. The present invention is a user friendly anti-ramming device which is lightweight, detachable, and portable. The present invention is intended to be used by security forces and private individuals in all aspects of vehicle access control and the temporary blocking of roads and open areas, including yards and fields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention with the foldable arms tucked in.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the present invention with the foldable arms tucked in.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention with the foldable arms rotated out.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention with the foldable arms rotated out.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the present invention with the foldable arms rotated out.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention in a deployed state.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention in a deployed state.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the present invention in a deployed state.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5, and 6, the present invention comprises a front base 1, a rear base 2, a plurality of pins 3, a plurality of spikes 4, a plurality of folding arms 5, and a plurality of arm housings 6. The front base 1 (which allows the present invention to engage oncoming vehicles) and rear base 2 (which provides the initial force to halt oncoming vehicles) are positioned perpendicular to each other. The folding arms 5 are positioned adjacent to both the front base 1 and rear base 2, and rotate out to connect individual barriers. The folding arms 5 are secured to the arm housings 6 which are attached to both the front base 1 and rear base 2. The spikes 4 are located underneath the front base 1 and angled down from the rear base 2. The spikes 4 serve to dig into the ground, slowing down any vehicles that attempt to break the barrier and eventually cantilevering the vehicle into the air.

The front base 1 comprises a front rod 11, an anchoring tube 12, and a plurality of hinge arms 13. The front base 1 is oriented towards oncoming traffic. The front rod 11 has arm housings 6 located on either side. The arm housings 6 are a pair of plates spaced apart wide enough to hold the folding arms 5. Each plate has a hole cut to form pin receptacles 7. Underneath the front rod 11 are a plurality of spikes 4 which are driven into the ground when a vehicle's weight is placed on the front rod 11. The plurality of hinge arms 13 are angled towards a rear base 2, which is detailed later. Each of the hinge arms 13 have a hole cut to form pin receptacles 7. The hinge arms 13 allow the rear base 2 to rotate and rest atop and parallel to the front base 1, for easier storage. For example, the present invention could be stored in a car or small room, yet still be easily deployed and possess a high stopping capability. In a separate embodiment, hinge arms 13 are not included, with the front base 1 and rear base 2 forming a single piece. The front base 1 should be long enough that it can lift the front end of a vehicle off the ground.

The front rod 11 has a front incline 111 and a stop end 112. The front incline 111 is located on one end of the front rod 11. The present embodiment employs a triangle shaped front incline 111. The front incline 111 could alternatively take a different shape, such as a curve or a semi-circle. The front incline 111 is oriented opposite the rear base 2, detailed later, towards incoming traffic. The front incline 111 serves to engage oncoming vehicles by having vehicles' wheels roll on to the front base 1. A stop end 112 is located opposite the front incline 111 and in the preferred embodiment is adjacent to the rear base 2. In a separate embodiment, the stop end 112 is connected to the rear base 2. The stop end 112 keeps the front base 1 and rear base 2 perpendicular to each other when the present invention is deployed. Atop the stop end 112 section of the front rod 11 is a laterally oriented anchoring tube 12, large enough to thread anchoring cables. These cables could be attached to anchors on the side of the road, such as trees, the ground, parked vehicles, or specially designed pyrotechnic anchors. The cables would help further secure the barriers against intruding vehicles. Alternate embodiments may include additional features. For example, wheels could be added to enable the present invention to be moved, allowing passage to authorized vehicles. Another potential feature is adding tines to the front incline 111, which would provide an additional stopping measure by puncturing tires.

The rear base 2 comprises a rear rod 21. The rear rod 21 is located adjacent to the stop end 112 of the front base 1. In the embodiment with a hinge, the rear rod 21 contains a plurality of pin receptacles 7 aligned with the pin receptacles 7 on the hinge arms 13, which allows the rear rod 21 to fold down and rest on top of the front rod 11 (storage state) or be extended vertically from the ground (deployed state). In another embodiment, there are no arm hinges 13, no pin receptacles 7, and the rear rod 21 is an extension of the front rod 11 and oriented normal to the ground. The heel 211 is the bottom section of the rear rod 21, facing a direction opposite of the front incline 111. Attached to the heel 211 are a plurality of spikes 4, which are angled down and contact the ground. As vehicles push and rotate the present invention, the spikes 4 dig into the ground, anchoring the invention and cantilevering the pushing vehicle onto the front rod 11. In other embodiments, an anti-skidding surface can be attached to the spikes 4 to prevent them from slipping, such as on icy or concrete surfaces. The rear rod 21 has arm housings 6 located on either side. The arm housings 6 are a pair of plates spaced apart wide enough to hold the folding arms 5. Each plate has holes cut to form pin receptacles 7.

The plurality of folding arms 5 feature a plurality of pin receptacles 7. The pin receptacles 7 are holes cut from the folding arms 5, and sized to match and align with the pin receptacles 7 on the arm housings 6. These folding arms 5 are secured to the arm housings 6 by placing a pin through the aligned pin receptacles 7. In other embodiments, alternative methods of securing the folding arms 5 could be used. For example, the receptacles could be threaded and be secured using thumbscrews instead of pins.

The present embodiment is constructed from steel, but other embodiments can utilize other materials. However, weight and durability must be taken into account. The material chosen should be light enough that the present invention can be deployed, dismantled, or transported easily and quickly by two adults in a short period of time, but strong enough that the present invention (especially the heel 211 and spikes 4) will not break or shatter when being anchored to the ground. Dismantling can be handled by a single adult. Safety fixtures can be added to meet any safety standard, regulations and needs. The present invention is reusable and can last for many years and thousands of separate usage without any need for maintenance or repair. The parts are identical and can be replaced, switched, and added. Accessories can be added to the present invention, such as signs, safety lighting, and additional anchoring devices. The present invention can be added to existing or new road blocks to improve the functionality of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the present invention can be operated in groups of barriers, by connecting folding arms 5 to free arm housings 6 on an adjacent barrier. This is done with the folding arms 5 located on the front rod 11 and rear rod 21. Operating the present invention in groups increases stopping power and allows the barrier to block a variety of spaces, by adjusting the amount of individual barriers included to match the space desired to be blocked. When a vehicle runs over the barrier, with the wheels contacting the front rod 11, the barrier is pushed down (by the weight of the vehicle) and backwards (towards the direction of the rear rod 21, by the momentum of the vehicle). The downward force drives the spikes 4 located underneath the front rod 11 into the ground. The combination of the downward force and rearward force drives the rear spike 4 into the ground. As these spikes 4 are driven into the ground the barrier becomes harder to move and as the rear spike 4 anchors into the ground the barrier rotates about the rear spike 4, causing the front rod 11 to rise and trap between the incoming vehicle's chassis and the ground, stopping further forward movement of the main body of the vehicle. The present invention is capable of operating on every terrain and stopping 4×4 cars as well as any other vehicle.

There are three suggestions for finding the proper location for setting up the present invention. First, it is advised that the blocking areas are ones where vehicles are forced to slow down, such as a curve in the road. Second, both sides of the intended barrier must be blocked to ensure that a vehicle cannot drive past it on a curb or open ground. Lastly, the barrier, along with stop signs, should be clearly visible to drivers, affording drivers ample time to stop.

Assembly instructions are as follows.

1. To create a single row using a number of the present invention in the storage state,

1. Place one unit of the present invention on the ground.

2. Place the required amount of units in a row until the road/lane is blocked.

3. Raise the rear base of the present invention into a vertical position and secure the present invention in that position using a pin and appropriate pin receptacle.

4. Take out the pin securing the folding arm adjacent to the front base.

5. Open the folding arm adjacent to the front base and secure the pin in the free arm housing on the adjacent unit.

6. Take out the pin securing the folding arm adjacent to the rear base.

7. Open the folding arm adjacent to the rear base and secure the pin in the free arm housing on the adjacent unit.

8. Two units are now connected.

9. Continue to assemble additional units.

To create an integrated double row,

1. Assemble a single row barrier.

2. Place additional units between and behind each two assembled units in the single row.

3. Place one unit of the present invention on the ground.

4. Place the required amount of units in a row until the road/lane is blocked.

5. Raise the rear base of the present invention into a vertical position and secure the present invention in that position using a pin and appropriate pin receptacle.

6. Take out the pin securing the folding arm adjacent to the front base.

7. Open the folding arm adjacent to the front base and secure the pin in the free arm housing on the adjacent unit.

8. Take out the pin securing the folding arm adjacent to the rear base.

9. Open the folding arm adjacent to the rear base and secure the pin in the free arm housing on the adjacent unit. 10. Continue to assemble additional units.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. A portable vehicle barrier comprises, a front base; the front base comprises a front rod, an anchoring tube, and a plurality of hinge arms; a rear base; a plurality of folding arms; a plurality of spikes; a plurality of arm housings; and the front base being positioned perpendicular to the rear base.
 2. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the front rod comprises a front incline and a stop end; and the rear base comprises a rear rod.
 3. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 2 comprises, the front incline being located on the front rod; the stop end being located on the front rod opposite the front incline; the plurality of hinge arms being laterally connected on the front rod adjacent to the stop end; the plurality of hinge arms being angled towards the rear base; and the plurality of spikes being connected underneath the front rod.
 4. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 2 comprises, the rear rod comprises a heel; the plurality of spikes being angled away from the heel; and the plurality of spikes being connected to the heel.
 5. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 2 comprises, a plurality of pins; a plurality of pin receptacles; the plurality of arm housings being traversed through by the plurality of pin receptacles; and the plurality of hinge arms being traversed through by the plurality of pin receptacles.
 6. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 3 comprises, the anchoring tube being positioned above the stop end; and the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the front rod.
 7. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 4 comprises, the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the rear rod; the plurality of pin receptacles being located on the rear rod above the heel; and the plurality of pin receptacles on the rear rod being aligned with the plurality of pin receptacles on the plurality of hinge arms.
 8. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 5 comprises, the plurality of pins traversing through the plurality of pin receptacles.
 9. A portable vehicle barrier comprises, a front base; the front base comprises a front rod, and an anchoring tube; a rear base; a plurality of folding arms; a plurality of spikes; a plurality of arm housings; and the front base being positioned perpendicular to the rear base.
 10. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 9 comprises, the front rod comprises a front incline and a stop end; and the rear base comprises a rear rod.
 11. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 9 comprises, the front incline being located on the front rod; the stop end being located on the front rod opposite the front incline; and the plurality of spikes being connected underneath the front rod.
 12. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 10 comprises, the rear rod comprises a heel; the plurality of spikes being angled away from the heel; and the plurality of spikes being connected to the heel.
 13. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 10 comprises, a plurality of pins; a plurality of pin receptacles; and the plurality of arm housings being traversed through by the plurality of pin receptacles.
 14. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the anchoring tube being positioned above the stop end; and the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the front rod.
 15. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 12 comprises, the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the rear rod.
 16. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 13 comprises, the plurality of pins traversing through the plurality of pin receptacles.
 17. A portable vehicle barrier comprises, a front base comprises a front rod, an anchoring tube, and a plurality of hinge arms; the front rod comprises a front incline and a stop end; a rear base comprises a rear rod; the rear rod comprises a heel; a plurality of arm housings; a plurality of folding arms; a plurality of spikes; the front base being positioned perpendicular to the rear base; the plurality of hinge arms being angled towards the rear base; the plurality of spikes being connected underneath the front rod; the plurality of spikes attached to and underneath the front rod; the plurality of spikes being angled away from the heel; and the plurality of spikes being connected to the heel.
 18. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 17 comprises, a plurality of pins; a plurality of pin receptacles; the plurality of arm housings being traversed through by the plurality of pin receptacles; the plurality of folding arms being positioned within the plurality of arm housings; the plurality of pins traversing through the plurality of pin receptacles; and the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the rear rod. the plurality of arm housings being laterally positioned on the front rod; and
 19. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 17 comprises, the front incline being located on the front rod; the stop end being located on the front rod opposite the front incline; the anchoring tube being positioned above the stop end; and the plurality of hinge arms being laterally connected on the front rod adjacent to the stop end.
 20. The portable vehicle barrier as claimed in claim 17 comprises, the plurality of pin receptacles being located on the rear rod above the heel; and the plurality of pin receptacles on the rear rod being aligned with the plurality of pin receptacles on the plurality of hinge arms. 